Dempa Diop during the 16th World Trade Union Congress in Athens Greece, 2011

The World Federation of Trade Unions, in the name of its 100 million members in 132 countries all over the globe, conveys its sympathy and heartfelt condolences to our comrades of the Organization of African Trade Union Unity (OATUU) and of the National Workers Union of Mali (UNTM) for the passing away of comrade Demba DIOP, former Assistant Secretary General of the OATUU for several years, Head of the OATUU Training Programs in Ghana and member of the leadership of UNTM Mali.

Comrade Demba Diop was a great figure of the African trade union movement, a true friend of the World Federation of Trade Unions, with which he shared the same principles. He actively participated in many WFTU Events as well as in the 16th World Trade Union Congress of WFTU in 2011 in Athens, Greece.

He dedicated his life to the promotion of the African workers’ interests and to social justice, he never stopped fighting and defending the cause of his People with strength and determination, even in difficult times of tortures and imprisonment for his militant action; he also contributed to the trade union education in the OATUU trade union school in Accra Ghana. He was a historic personality and rightfully called “the Calm Strength” by his comrades along the African Continent.

We are extending our sincere condolences to his family, to UNTM and OATUU and wish them the best of strength. Comrade Demba Diop lightened the way of class struggle for the workers of Mali and all African countries. In his memory, we join our voices with our African brothers and sisters during these difficult times we live in and promise: The struggle continues!